The spread of infectious epidemics and organisms between countries and continents has become easier with global changes in the world climate and improved travel opportunities. COVID-19, the infection caused by the novel coronavirus detected in December 2019, affects many countries and increases widespread panic concerns and anxieties in individuals exposed to the (real or perceived) threat of the virus. Importantly, the physiological symptoms caused by this virus occur in all infections, including influenza and other diseases. Even more deadly diseases than this virus are currently affecting people around the world. However, the fact that we do not know this virus and are constantly exposed to negative news about this issue can cause panic, stress and hysteria.
Pandemics are not just a medical phenomenon; They impact and cause disruption to individuals and society at many levels. Labeling individuals and xenophobia are two aspects of the social impact of pandemic infectious outbreaks. Panic and stress have also been linked to epidemics. As concerns grow with the perceived threat, people have begun collecting (and hoarding) masks and other medical supplies. This is often followed by anxiety-related behaviors, sleep disturbances, and poorer overall health. People with mental disorders may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of widespread panic and threat.
Chronic infectious diseases, including infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV, cause higher levels of mental disorders than the general population. Studies note often increased rates of depression after infections. (e.g. herpes and anthrax). Although the effects of coronavirus on mental health have not been systematically studied, it is expected that COVID-19 will spread in waves, especially based on current public reactions.
Labeling
Leads to labeling of individuals, authority figures, and healthcare professionals affected by epidemics; Unfortunately, this trend has been seen in many countries in the past. With COVID-19, Asian men and women, especially those of Chinese descent, face social stigma and exposure to foreigners online and in politics. They are the victims of his hatred. Labeling often develops with limited information and hasty and one-dimensional evaluations. It is imperative that all healthcare professionals, especially psychologists, act as voices of reason and help disseminate accurate, evidence-based information.
Medical mistrust
“Medical distrust” refers to distrust of medical treatment and advances. This results in less use of healthcare resources and poorer management of healthcare conditions (with possible misuse in times of crisis). Additionally, medical distrust has been used to explain some racial and ethnic health care disparities. It has been linked to a variety of diseases and conditions, including cancer, autism, and HIV. Distrust of medical organizations can reinforce labeling and perceived discrimination and lead to less adherence to health recommendations.
Conspiracy Theories
During infectious outbreaks, medical mistrust is associated with conspiracy theories. In a US study, more than half of respondents endorsed belief in at least one health-related conspiracy theory. For example, extreme conspiracy theories cause a decrease in “vaccine” tendencies.
Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders
It is predicted that infectious diseases may cause serious anxiety and panic. We may constantly have thoughts that tire us, such as worrying about getting an infection or worrying about loved ones getting sick. The lack of a definitive treatment for coronavirus easily exacerbates anxiety. However, in most cases, these symptoms of anxiety will not meet the diagnostic criteria for a mental illness.
Contamination obsessions—worry that the person is dirty and needs washing, cleaning, or sterilization—are very common in OCD patients. Perceptual experiences (e.g., skin contamination) understandably reinforce obsessions. Sensory experiences (but not fully tactile hallucinations) have been found in 75% of OCD patients. More intense sensory experiences (so-called hallucinations) they) are related to poorer control over compulsions and poorer insight. It is associated with the tendency for individuals with OCD to perceive threat more than normal.
At the same time, cleaning and washing compulsions, which are the main features of OCD, can easily be aggravated by the threat of infectious pandemics. Complications of over-cleaning include dry, cracked skin, and overuse of toxic cleaning materials can lead to injuries. Fear of acquiring a new, sensational disease can also worsen negative behaviors.
Psychotic disorders: extreme medical mistrust?
Medical mistrust is the most prominent of conspiracy theories The striking (and perhaps most interesting) examples concern patients with psychotic disorders. Typically, repeated media exposure to an alarming reality (in this case, the spread of coronavirus), distrust of organizations and government, and misunderstanding of physical symptoms can cause delusions.
Epidemic diseases. Very difficult situations such as lack of information about the disease, increase in zoonotic infections and climate changes can confuse even healthy people.
The development of delusions in the context of the pandemic has not been investigated. New cases may likely develop as more individuals focus on far-flung, possible infections due to easy access to unverified information on the internet.
To summarize, the current COVID-19 epidemic creates fear at the social level. At the individual level, it can differentially exacerbate anxiety- and psychosis-like symptoms and lead to non-specific mental problems (e.g. mood problems, sleep problems, phobia-like behavior, panic-like symptoms). Early diagnosis will help this process be overcome with less damage. During this process, it will be very important to monitor yourself and control the level of your fear and anxiety.
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